Merger-and-acquisition activity in the mortgage sector has been relatively mild so far this year, but suddenly the table has turned with a handful of deals announced over the past two weeks and some lenders publicly stating their intentions as buyers. And one thing seems certain: It appears that all of the acquisitions will be accomplished through “asset” purchases as opposed to the acquisition of stock, be it private shares or otherwise. Early this week, Guild Mortgage, San Diego, inked...

Equity Prime Mortgage of Atlanta said it’s hiring in all areas, including sales, servicing, operations and compliance…

Another bank seeing a pickup in clients is Southwest Bank, Dallas…

However, Fitch did raise concerns about the expenses associated with Pentalpha Surveillance, which will review potential breaches of representations and warranties…

Rumor has it that a mid-sized nonbank based in the Western U.S. is entertaining takeover offers...

The Lone Star bond could also receive credit ratings, which would be a first for a nonprime MBS backed by new originations in the post-crisis era...

Changes include an ability-to-repay safe harbor for loans held in portfolio...

JPMorgan Chase may not like FHA loans very much, but it certainly has a strong appetite for jumbos, hence the huge growth in its retained portfolio...

In addition, yourFirstMortgage does not require an upfront mortgage insurance premium…

Joe Garrett of Garrett, McAuley & Co. wonders whether the day is coming when the CFPB will take up residence at some of the nation’s largest nonbank lenders.